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Ridgid JP0610 Jointer - Help needed please

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belt jointer jp0610 ridgid tension
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2.9K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  MadGerman  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey gang - I have a Ridgid JP0610 jointer that I recently got and have started to assemble. It was all going well until I got to the point of installing the drive belt. I'm having some issues with the belt tension. The manual says that there should be 1" of slack in the belt. Sounds easy enough, right? However… is it 1" of slack when I barely push on it, or 1" if I push medium (what is medium?), or 1" if I push really hard?

I'm erring on the side of caution and making it so that there's about 1" of tension if I push on it with my index finger with the same pressure as if I were pushing on my arm or leg (with a finger) as opposed to really pushing on it hard to barely make it move 1". Does that sound about right? Or am I overthinking it?

If any of you guys have that same jointer, how did you determine the proper belt tension? The manual says that the weight of the motor can also be used to tension the belt. But in my opinion, the motor is heavy enough to over-tension the belt.

Thanks for any help that any of you guys can offer. I appreciate it.
 
#2 ·
Start with it looser than you think it should be, 1" barely pushing. Then tighten it up if/when it slips. Better too loose than too tight. Too loose, it might slip. Too tight, it can put undue stress on the motor and cutterhead bearings.
 
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#5 ·
In the manual it explains you can use the weight of the motor to get the tension right.

- bgilb
Click to expand...
I saw that. I was wondering if that would add too much tension. I guess when the unit is upright, the motor will "settle in" to its "natural" position, providing the proper belt tension?

I suppose I can go ahead and flip it upright and set the tension that way. FWIW, my Jet table saw is designed so that the weight of the motor provides the required belt tension. Perhaps the Ridgid jointer is no different.

Maybe I'm overthinking it…?
 
#6 ·
Yes, you're overthinking it, I set mine up as directed in the manual, and have not had to make any adjustments or changes in 12 years. Not the greatest jointer in the world, but for the money & my needs its a great tool
 
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#8 ·
Thanks again for the input guys. I didn't have a chance to work on the jointer this weekend, but when I do, I'll sit it upright and adjust the belt tension by letting the weight of the motor do it.

I'm looking forward to getting it up and running. Since it's winter, my motorcycling is on hold, so why not make sawdust, right?
 
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